FURMAN UPDATE - Good news! Welding repairs were completed Wednesday on the structural supports of the drop slide and tube slides at the Furman Aquatic Center, and the slides will reopen today (Thursday, July 10) at 1 p.m. Cracks in the metal were discovered recently through a routine inspection, and the slides were closed Monday. “We know closing the slides was an inconvenience and disappointment to our users, and for that we sincerely apologize,” said Ames Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham. “Yet, we must ensure our facility is safe for all swimmers and staff all hours of operation. Safety comes first.” After examining the cracks, a structural engineer from slide manufacturer Splashtacular, along with local experts, noted the supports were not installed with proper drainage holes. This allowed water to build up inside the support beams. During the colder months, it is likely the water went through a freeze and thaw cycle. Howe Welding and Metal Fabrication, of Ames, ground out the cracks and welded the support structure. In addition, drainage holes will be added to prevent the damage from reoccurring. Getting the slides functioning and reopened was the first priority, Abraham said. The next step is determining who is responsible for paying for the repairs. The $10-million Furman Aquatic Center opened in 2010. It was designed by RDG Architects and Waters Edge Aquatic Design. The contractor was Sande Construction, of Humboldt, Iowa.
Posted on: Thu, 10 Jul 2014 15:02:28 +0000
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